Journal of Researches.: Into the Natural History and Geology of the countries visited during the voyage H.M.S. Beagle round the world under the Command of Capt. Fitz Roy, R.N. Tenth thousand.

London: John Murray,, 1860. The Voyage of the Beagle The final definitive text of Darwin's first published book, the second edition of his outstanding account of natural history exploration. This botanical and zoological travelogue describes the fieldwork that ultimately led to the publication of On the Origin of Species (1859). "His first published book is undoubtedly the most often read and stands second only to On the Origin of Species as the most often printed. It is an important travel book in its own right and its relation to the background of his evolutionary ideas has often been stressed" (Freeman). Darwin noted in his autobiography that "the voyage of the Beagle has been by far the most important event in my life and has determined my whole career... As far as I can judge of myself I worked to the utmost during the voyage from the mere pleasure of investigation, and from my strong desire to add a few facts to the great mass of facts in natural science. But I was also ambitious to take a fair place among scientific men... The success of this my first literary child always tickles my vanity more than that of any other books.". This copy has been bound without the half-title. Octavo (190 x 120 mm). Near-contemporary green half calf, spine and raised bands decorated in gilt, black morocco label lettered in gilt, green cloth sides, edges sprinkled red, green endpapers, blue silk bookmarker. Bookplate of one J. I. Burhill to front pastedown with their ownership inscription to front free endpaper, which has been superseded by a pasted-down ownership inscription of one G. E. Marks of Carmarthen. Extremities rubbed, touch of wear to corners, small mark to rear board, top edge toned, foxing to preliminary and end matter, otherwise contents bright and clean, a very good copy. Freeman 20.